Preparing for a Big Cook

I will be starting a work contract next week so it is time to fill the freezer. 

Step 1 was to defrost the freezer. I have not done this for 5 months so in order to fit my proposed 30 suppers into the freezer I needed to get rid of the frost build up.  

Step 2 is choosing the menu.  I am going to go out on a limb this time around and try a few new recipes.  The new recipes have come from my free time habit of Pinterest and then my family's favourites.  

Chicken Noodle Soup - family favourite

Crockpot Beef Roast -family favourite

Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Turkey Chili

Lasagna -family favourite

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Salmon in Marinade

Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs

Step 3 was preparing my grocery list. In chicken scratch, I recorded all the ingredients I needed and compiled the shopping list you see below.  I could get all fancy and develop a spreadsheet of recipes and servings but I'm not the engineer in the family and am looking to make the job as fast as possible.  Saving time is the goal of batch cooking.  

I love using this grocery list. It is a pad that I found at chapters a few years ago. One will last almost a year if you get groceries once a week.  A strong magnet on the back lets it stick to the front of my pantry freezer and then I add as I discover what I need. When it is time to head to the store I have a list already to go without too much thought.  

That could really be another whole post!  I have headed to the store without a list before. I stood in my pantry prior to leaving and took pictures with my phone. It worked for wondering if I had the item or not once I was at the store. 

Here I am at the grocery store ready to shop!  My preference is to use the Real Canadian Superstore and Costco.  On this particular Big Cook I was able to purchase everything I needed at the Superstore.  

Why do I choose them?  I bring my own bags, they package meat in large serving sizes, their prices are significantly cheaper than Safeway and Sobey's, and with a $250 purchase I receive a $25. Gift card for the next time I shop.  That is another 10% off the already best price in town. I also enjoy the fact that I can pack my own bins or bags.  This way I organize it at the store for what needs to be put away immediately when I get home.  If I could, I would really prefer to scan my own groceries at the self scan but again that is probably a bit of my controlling issues showing through.

Step 4 is going to be getting those groceries into the kitchen.  Join me again when I have a minute to post  "Inside the Grocery Store" and then "The Cooking Part of a Big Cook". 

Have a Sunny Day, 

Danine

Achieving a Clean Finished Look

When I am sewing I love to have clean lines and a fully finished look.  In order to get my clean finished look on this crocheted and embroidered apron bib I used a small zigzag along the crocheted edge.  

Here are the steps I used to achieve the final look.

I cut out both the fashion fabric (the embroidered pillowcase) and the lining (plain white).  The darts were marked and stitched and then the 2 layers were placed right sides together.  I stitched the underarm seams using the edge of the presser foot as my seam allowance, approximately 1/4".

Next I turned the bib right side out and pressed the underarm seams.  I pinned the bib flat and used a short narrow zigzag to finish the top edge.  This is where the special edge finish starts to happen.  

Pictured here is the exact stitch length and width I used for the zigzag edge finish.

Once the full width of the bib top had been zigzagged I flipped the bib over to view the lining side.  The new stitching line followed the original stitching line of where the crocheted cotton had been attached to the pillowcase.  This is what the backside looked like.

 Now it is time to use my favorite pair of scissors.  They are a gingher bunt tip pocket scissor.  Excellent for using on the embroidered or crocheted linens I work with.  They will not catch or accidentally cut your embroidery!   I made my scissor purchase through Debra with Labours of Love Heirloom Sewing.  They are an online business that operates near Vancouver, BC,  Canada.  An worthy investment for the   the type of sewing I enjoy.  

These incredible scissors let you get in tight against your zigzag and not catch the crochet cotton.  I trimmed along the full front of the bib.

Once the selvage lining had been cut away you have a cleanly finished edge.  The lining side looks clean and crisp.  Your Front side looks clean and crisp. 

It is as easy and simple as that!  

Stay tuned for a post coming in the near future revealing the full Apron pictured here.  It was a custom ordered piece delivered to Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Thank you for sharing in my passions, 

Danine

Exhibit and Celebration of Heritage Aprons published in Apron.ology 2013

I am very excited to announce that I have been published!  Apron.ology has chosen 4 of my uniquely designed Heritage Aprons to be published in their 2013 volume.  You are invited to help celebrate.  

An exhibit of 20 Heritage Aprons designed by Danine Regenwetter of Avonlea’s Heritage Aprons will be held at the 

Lee Pavilion in the Citadel Theatre 

on Friday, February 8, 2013.  

 6:00-8:00 p.m.  

Edmonton, Alberta  Canada

I will be on hand to celebrate this most recent publication, lead a show and share of the Aprons on exhibit, and sign copies of the magazine.  The exhibit will include the 4 published Heritage Aprons.  The American magazine titled Apron.ology is published annually by the parent company Stampington & Company.  The release date is this Friday, February 1, 2013.  

The publications are giving strength and confidence to this unique form of art.  It also secures that the dream I am following, preserving memories and heritage with vintage linens, is being loved by the public.  Designing new with preserving old.  Vintage tablecloths, doilies, handkerchiefs, and even pillowcases are repurposed and redesigned into functional forms of art.  These Aprons are preserving the memories of one’s heritage.  Aprons can be purchased from display or custom designed with your linens to preserve your family’s heritage. 

Please plan to join the celebration.  Wine and cupcakes will be served.  Click here to RSVP your attendance and number of guests.  

Thank you for visiting, 

Danine